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Top Rated Sites - Conditions and Diseases > Mental Health Directory - A list of the Top Rated Sites for the Mental Health sub-category section. Top Rated Websites for Mental Health.
What Causes ADHD? 
One of the first questions a parent will have is "Why? What went
wrong?" "Did I do something to cause this?" There is little compelling
evidence at this time that ADHD can arise purely from social factors or
child-rearing methods. Most substantiated causes appear to fall in the
realm of neurobiology and genetics. This is not to say that
environmental factors may not influence the severity of the disorder,
and especially the degree of impairment and suffering the child may
experience, but that such factors do not seem to give rise to the
condition by themselves.
The parents' focus should be on looking forward and finding the best
possible way to help their child. Scientists are studying causes in an
effort to identify better ways to treat, and perhaps someday, to
prevent ADHD. They are finding more and more evidence that ADHD does
not stem from the home environment, but from biological causes. Knowing
this can remove a huge burden of guilt from parents who might blame
themselves for their child's behavior.
Over the last few decades, scientists have come up with possible
theories about what causes ADHD. Some of these theories have led to
dead ends, some to exciting new avenues of investigation.
Environmental Agents.
Studies have shown a possible correlation between the use of
cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy and risk for ADHD in the
offspring of that pregnancy. As a precaution, it is best during
pregnancy to refrain from both cigarette and alcohol use.
Another environmental agent that may be associated with a higher risk
of ADHD is high levels of lead in the bodies of young preschool
children. Since lead is no longer allowed in paint and is usually found
only in older buildings, exposure to toxic levels is not as prevalent
as it once was. Children who live in old buildings in which lead still
exists in the plumbing or in lead paint that has been painted over may
be at risk.
Brain Injury.
One early ...
(Hits: 521 | Votes: 2 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-06-22 14:30:20)
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Mind Fitness
MindFit, developed by CogniFit, a world leader in cognitive training and
assessment, is a new easy-to-use computer software program designed for
the mature population that wants to keep their minds active and vital.
Please use the following promotional code during checkout to receive 10%
off your merchandise total: PRTNR04
(Hits: 898 | Votes: 1 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2006-06-06 14:28:16)
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Some Simple Behavioral Interventions
Children with ADHD may need help in organizing. Therefore:
- Schedule. Have the same routine every day, from
wake-up time to bedtime. The schedule should include homework time and
playtime (including outdoor recreation and indoor activities such as
computer games). Have the schedule on the refrigerator or a bulletin
board in the kitchen. If a schedule change must be made, make it as far
in advance as possible.
- Organize needed everyday items. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and school supplies.
- Use homework and notebook organizers. Stress the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home needed books.
Children with ADHD need consistent rules that they can understand
and follow. If rules are followed, give small rewards. Children with
ADHD often receive, and expect, criticism. Look for good behavior and
praise it.
Your ADHD Child and School
You are your child's best advocate. To
be a good advocate for your child, learn as much as you can about ADHD
and how it affects your child at home, in school, and in social
situations.
If your child has shown symptoms of ADHD from an early age and has
been evaluated, diagnosed, and treated with either behavior
modification or medication or a combination of both, when your child
enters the school system, let his or her teachers know. They will be
better prepared to help the child come into this new world away from
home.
If your child enters school and experiences difficulties that lead
you to suspect that he or she has ADHD, you can either seek the
services of an outside professional or you can ask the local school
district to conduct an evaluation. Some parents prefer to go to a
professional of their own choice. But it is the school's obligation to
evaluate children that they suspect have ADHD or some other disability
that is affecting not only their academ ...
(Hits: 426 | Votes: 1 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-06-22 14:39:06)
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The Treatment of ADHD
Every family wants to determine what treatment will be most
effective for their child. This question needs to be answered by each
family in consultation with their health care professional. To help
families make this important decision, the National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH) has funded many studies of treatments for ADHD and has
conducted the most intensive study ever undertaken for evaluating the
treatment of this disorder. This study is known as the Multimodal
Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (MTA). 12
The NIMH is now conducting a clinical trial for younger children ages 3
to 5.5 years (Treatment of ADHD in Preschool-Age Children).
The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The MTA study included 579 (95-98 at each of 6 treatment sites)
elementary school boys and girls with ADHD, who were randomly assigned
to one of four treatment programs: (1) medication management alone; (2)
behavioral treatment alone; (3) a combination of both; or (4) routine
community care. In each of the study sites, three groups were treated
for the first 14 months in a specified protocol and the fourth group
was referred for community treatment of the parents' choosing. All of
the children were reassessed regularly throughout the study period. An
essential part of the program was the cooperation of the schools,
including principals and teachers. Both teachers and parents rated the
children on hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, and symptoms
of anxiety and depression, as well as social skills.
The children in two groups (medication management alone and the
combination treatment) were seen monthly for one-half hour at each
medication visit. During the treatment visits, the prescribing
physician spoke with the parent, met with the child, and sought to
determine any concerns that the family might h ...
(Hits: 793 | Votes: 1 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-06-22 14:43:17)
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Depression Article 1
(Hits: 297 | Votes: 0 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-05-16 15:50:37)
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Living With Depression
There are many different types of depression that each has their own diagnosis as well as treatment. In all cases a medical doctor will have to make a professional diagnosis before prescribing medication or other treatment.
While all forms of depression are serious, perhaps the most severe form is "Major" depression. This type of depression is frequently easy to diagnose because there are several symptoms typically present that lead to the diagnosis. Major depression can be triggered by traumatic events or an event in the individual's personal life. Major depression can also result from a series of personal disappointments the effect on individual's life. While major depression is common for many people, it's usually a one-time event that is treatable; with treatment, the individual may never experience depression again in their lifetime.
Dysthymic disorder is another type of depression. People with dysthymic disorder experience a less severe form of depression than major depression with less severe symptoms and overall depression. Individuals suffering from dysthymic depression feel depressed every day for an extended period of time. The depression may be responsible for low energy, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, diminishing self esteem and a general feeling of sadness. This particular type of depression responds well to medication and counseling. Dsythymic depression frequently reoccurs, so individuals who experience it will need to be vigilant about their symptoms.
Some depressions are hard to categorize. Medical doctors only should diagnose and suggest treatment for any
depression. "Reactive depression", or adjustment disorder, can be difficult to diagnose. The patient is usually having problems adjusting to life changes and is having severe side effects due to some type of stress. Doctors are often hesitant to prescribe medication for this depression, preferring to recommend counseling or other talk therapy.
The singl ...
(Hits: 297 | Votes: 0 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-06-14 15:01:26)
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